Page 120 - Biblical Counseling II

“But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum
depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth.
Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving
birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help
you bond with your baby” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020).

Causes
“There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role:
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body
may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop
sharply, which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and depressed.
Emotional issues. When you're sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor
problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less attractive, struggle
with your sense of identity, or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these issues can contribute
to postpartum depression” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020).

“Treatment: There are effective treatments for depression. Mild to moderate depression can be effectively
treated with talking therapies (talking to a counselor). Medication in the form of antidepressants can be an
effective form of treatment for moderate to severe depression, but are not the first line of treatment for
cases of mild depression. They should not be used for treating depression in children and are not the first line
of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with caution” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020).

118